FULL NOVELXO Chapter Dad By Oma 76
Chapter 76: Birthday Suprise
Clairessa's POV The smell of something sweet and freshly baked filled the air, waking me up. My stomach growled as I stretched under the soft covers. Even though I still felt a little tired, and wanted to lay back in bed. the heavenly scent teased me, reminding me just how hungry I was especially after last night. Last night. The memory of Gabriel's touch, his words, and the way he made me feel surged through me like a wave. I could still feel the traces of his kisses on my skin, the way his hands had stroked every inch of my body bringing me untold pleasure. As I sat up, I felt the soft sheets fall away, away, and a rush of warmth spread across my cheeks when I realized I was completely naked. Wrapping the sheet tightly around me, I glanced at the spot next to me. It was empty. "Gabriel?" I called softly, but there was no answer. I glanced toward the door wide open, and found no sign of him. My gaze moved around the rest of the suite, but it seemed I was
throo
completely alone. I flopped back on the pillow, smiling to myself. Last night, Gabriel had insisted I rest when be saw how tired I was last night, even though I knew he wanted to keep going. He was so considerate, and the thought warmed my heart. My eyes drifted to the bedside table, and that's when I saw it—a stunning bouquet of white lilies resting in a crystal vase. I gasped softly, as I reached for the card tucked between the flowers Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. You are such a shining light, and may this new age cause your light to shir even brighter. You looked so peaceful sleeping, and I couldn't bear to wake you. I had to leave for an e meeting, but I didn't want you to feel alone. There's a plane ticket enclosed, and Olly will fly with you and bring you to meet me. Eat, pack, and get dressed. Olly will take you to the airport. You'll both fly to meet me in Miami – Gabriel Storm My fingers traced over the handwriting as my heart swelled. I picked up the ticket- class. My mouth fell open. Gabriel could have booked business class, and I would have been more than grateful, but first class? It all felt like something out of a movie. How did Gabriel know it was my birthda hadn't told him. And white lilies-they were my favorite flowers. It all felt like something out of a Everything about Gabriel, the way he paid attention to the smallest details, made me feel special in wasn't used to. Adrian's face popped into my mind, uninvited. Last year, I had reminded Adrian over again about my birthday, but he'd still forgotten. I remembered how crushed I'd felt that day, sitting alo waiting for him to show up. And yet, here was Gabriel, going out of his way to make me feel loved and cherished, even though I hadn't mentioned a word about my birthday. I shook my head, pushing Adrian out of my thoughts. Today wasn't about him or the past. Today was about Gabriel and this beautiful day he had planned for me. I climbed out of bed, still clutching the sheet around me as I made my way into the living My jaw dropped at the sight in front of me. The table was covered in a feast fit for royalty-platters of fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, bacon, and more. In the center of it all sat a giant cake with the words 'Happy Birthday, my sweet girl' written in elegant red icing. My lips curved into a grin as I traced the words with my finger. The nickname he'd used all night set my body on fire. Unable to resist, I swiped a bit of the icing with my finger and tasted it. Red velvet Another favorite of mine. “How does he know all this?" I whispered to myself, shaking my head in disbelief. Jess would have loved this. I could almost hear her voice in my head, teasing me and urging me to dig in. But before I touched the food, I decided to freshen up. The bathroom was luxurious, with marble countertops and a rainfall shower. After a quick shower, I wrapped myself in a robe and returned to the table Every bite of food was delicious, and I savored each one, unable to stop smiling at Gabriel's thoughtfulness. By the time I finished, I was full and content, my heart swelling with gratitude. Just as I leaned back in my chair. my phone buzzed Olly would be at the door in 10 minutes. Feeling a rush of excitement, I quickly rushed to get ready, choosing a simple red halter-neck gown that hugged my curves perfectly. I pulled my hair into a sleek bun and kept my makeup light, wanting to feel beautiful and free. A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I opened it to see Olly, the driver who had brought us to the resort. Dressed in a black suit, he looked small and professional. "It's nice to see you again, Olly,” I greeted, offering him a warm smile. His lips curved into a polite smile as he nodded. “I'm also happy to see you well, Miss Hartwood. Mr. Storm is waiting for us
11:15 Fri, 21 Feb
Chapter 76, Birthday Suprise
Wo landed in Miami smoothly, and Olly
He gestured toward the hallway, signaling for me to follow him. was now driving us to meet Gabriel. That was the only detail Olly was willing to share with me, though my. curiosity only intensified as we drove through the sunny Miami streets, I glanced at Olly, unable to hold back any longer. "Olly, would you mind telling me where we're going?” I asked, my tone light but inquisitive. Het glanced at me briefly in the rearview mirror, a subtle smile playing on his lips. I'm afraid Mr. Storm would have my head if I ruined the surprise," he teased. "Oh, come on!" I throw up my hands, half-laughing, though the anxiousness in my stomach grew stronger. Olly chuckled softly, shaking his head. “We're almost there, Miss Hartwood." When the car stopped, I gasped. The car had pulled up to a harbor, the water sparkling under the sun. There, at the dock, was a luxurious yacht. The name Storm was painted on its side in bold letters.. My jaw dropped as I took in its grandeur. But my eyes were drawn to the man standing at the edge of the dock, Gabriel. He stood tall, the breeze playing with his dark hair, his eyes locked on me with an intensity that made my pulse race. He looked effortlessly handsome, and the way he smiled at me made me feel like the most important person in the world. I stepped out of the car and walked toward him. “Clairessa,” he greeted warmly, his voice wrapping around me like a glant teddy bear hug. He turned to the driver and clapped him on the shoulder. "Thank you, Busco." The driver nodded before stepping away, leaving us alone. Gabriel didn't waste a moment. His arms wrapped around me from behind, his strong frame pressing against me as he whispered in my ear, "My sweet girl." I relaxed into his embrace, letting out a soft laugh. “Mr. Storm,” I teased, tilting my head to glance up at him. His brows lifted in mock outrage as he spun me around to face him. "What did you just call me?” “Mr. Storm,” I repeated, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. “Oh, I see,” he murmured, his fingers trailing down my bare back. "You're feisty today.” His touch sent shivers through me, but before anything could happen, someone cleared their throat. A man, probably in his fifties, and dressed as the captain approached us. Gabriel groaned softly in my ear. “I'll make you pay for that later," he whispered before turning to introduce me. “Clairessa, this is Captain Taylor. He'll be sailing the yacht.” I smiled and shook the captain's hand. “Nice to meet you.” “Likewise,” he replied with a nod. "Shall we set sail?" Gabriel nodded, and soon we were on the yacht. He introduced me to the staff onboard. Elena, the friendly deck keeper, gave me a warm smile that instantly made me feel welcome, while Enrique, the tall and quiet chef, offered a polite nod. As Gabriel walked me through the yacht, I couldn't stop admiring the luxurious details. The sleek design, the polished wood floors, breathtaking view of the ocean stretching endlessly around us-it all felt like something out of a dream. "Wow... this is beautiful, Gabriel," I breathed, taking it all in. "Not nearly as beautiful as you," he replied with a small, teasing smile. I laughed softly, stepping closer to him. “Such a tease,” I murmured. I tiptoed
wrapped my arms around his neck as I looked up into his eyes. "How did you even know today's my birthday? I didn't tell you.” Gabriel didn't answer right away. Instead, he just smiled that knowing smile of his. Before he could answer, his phone buzzed loudly in his pocket. His face tightened for a second before he pulled it out of his pocket, glancing at the screen. "I would have you know," his voice dropped, rich and smooth, "I'm a man of
many means. I go to great lengths to please the woman I-” The phone buzzed again, cutting him off. and this time, he looked genuinely upset. “I have to take this,” he muttered, brushing a gentle kiss on my forehead. "It might take a while.” His eyes softened as they met mine. “Elena will take care of you until I'm back." Before I could respond, he gestured toward Elena, who stepped forward with a bright smile. “Come on, Miss Hartwood. Let me show you the rest of the yacht."
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